In this blog, we will cover the best types of solar panels for homes and the different types of rooftop solar panels. After reading this blog, people with zero knowledge of solar systems and rooftop solar panels will be able to differentiate between them and choose the best type of solar panel for their needs. We have covered topics such as Monocrystalline solar panels, Polycrystalline solar panels, Thin Film Solar Panels, PERC solar cells, and bifacial solar panels.
Let’s start with the basics, i.e., Solar Panels.
What are Solar Panels?
Solar panels are made up of many tiny solar cells. The most common sizes in India are called 72-cell and 60-cell panels, and they’re about the size of a small door or a bit smaller. Each tiny cell has layers of materials like silicon, phosphorus, and boron.
How Solar Panels Work?
When sunlight (which is made of tiny energy particles) hits the solar panel, it knocks electrons loose from the silicon. These moving electrons generate electricity through a process called the Photovoltaic Effect. This is how solar panels generates power.
Types of solar panels mostly used in India are:
1. Monocrystalline solar panels:
- Composition: Made from pure silicon. This purity is key to their performance.
- Appearance: They have a consistent, dark, often black color and typically have rounded edges. This uniform look is a good way to spot them.
- Efficiency: Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient type of solar panel currently available. The latest models can convert over 20% of sunlight into electricity. This high efficiency means they can generate more power in the same amount of space compared to other types.
- Why the high efficiency?: The pure silicon allows for better movement of electrons, leading to a more effective conversion of sunlight into electricity.
2. Polycrystalline solar panels:
- Composition: Polycrystalline solar panels are made from fragments of silicon crystals melted together.
- Efficiency: The Polycrystalline solar panels have lower efficiency (14-16%) as compared to monocrystalline panels.
- Cost: The Polycrystalline solar panels are more affordable than monocrystalline panels.
- Electricity Production: Less consistent electricity generation compared to monocrystalline solar panels.
- Market Share: Holds a significant portion of the market (22.3%), second to monocrystalline panels.
- Best For: The Polycrystalline solar panels are suitable for homeowners and businesses due to their lower cost.
3. Thin Film Solar Panels:
- Thin-film solar panels: These are a type of solar panel that are made by placing thin layers of photovoltaic (PV) material onto a substrate.
- Materials: The most common material used in thin-film solar panels is cadmium telluride.
- Design: Thin-film solar panels are slimmer and more flexible as compared to traditional silicon-based solar panels.
- Applications: Thin-film solar panels are often used in commercial applications and portable solar systems, such as those found on boats.
- Efficiency: Thin-film solar panels have a lower power capacity and efficiency compared to monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels. Their efficiency typically ranges from 18% to 21%.
- Market share: Thin-film solar panels hold approximately 21% of the market share in India, making them the third most popular type of solar panels after monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.
Advanced Solar Technologies: PERC & Bifacial Panels
1. Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC)
PERC solar cells are an improved version of regular solar cells. They’re designed to capture more sunlight and turn it into electricity.
- The PERC solar cells are more efficient. They can produce 6% to 12% more energy than standard solar cells. This means you get more power from the same amount of sunlight.
- How do PERC solar cells work? PERC cells have an extra layer on the back that reflects some light back into the cell, giving it a second chance to be converted into energy.
- Easy to make: Manufacturers can use the same equipment they already have to make PERC cells, which makes them easier to produce.
- Fewer panels needed: Because they’re more efficient, you need fewer PERC cells to generate the same amount of electricity as standard panels.
- A potential weakness: The metal strips (or ribbons) in PERC panels can crack, which can stop them from working
2. Bifacial solar panels or Double-Sided Solar Panels
- Bifacial solar panels have solar cells on both the front and back.
- Bifacial Solar Panels capture sunlight from both sides, unlike regular panels that only use the front.
- Double-Sided Solar Panels have a transparent back, allowing them to absorb light reflected from the ground or other surfaces.
- This double-sided absorption increases energy production up to 30% more as compared to monofacial solar panels, which are also known as single-sided solar panels.
- Bifacial solar panels also work better in low-light conditions.
- They can be installed in different ways (vertically, horizontally, angled).
- Bifacial solar panels are especially good in places with reflective surfaces, like snow or sand.
- Bifacial panels are a good way to get more energy from the same space.
Things to know before buying solar panels:
India’s rooftop solar power capacity has seen significant growth in recent years. In March 2016, the total installed solar capacity was 9.01 GW and by March 2024, the total installed solar capacity stood at 81.81 GW. *As of 28 January 2025, the total installed solar capacity is 97.86 GW (source: pib.gov.in). This indicates a substantial increase in rooftop solar installations across the country.
In India, Monocrystalline solar panels and Polycrystalline solar panels are widely used. Then which one should you use for your home or business? Let’s have a quick comparison between the two and know which is best for you.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels:
These solar panels use thin slices of silicon. They’re called monocrystalline because they’re made from big, single silicon crystals grown carefully. They’re about 20% better at turning sunlight into electricity than other types of panels. The downside is they cost more to make, which leads to high pricing of these panels.
Good things about them:
- They make the most of the sunlight they get and don’t need as much space.
- They work better than polycrystalline panels, even when there’s not much sunlight.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels:
Polycrystalline solar panels are made by melting silicon and pouring it into a mold, unlike the single-crystal method for monocrystalline panels. This makes them cheaper to produce.
Good things about them is that they don’t cost as much compared to Monocrystalline solar panels.
What’s the warranty period for solar panels?
Solar panel warranties come in two parts: one for the equipment or panel itself called as panel warranty, and one for how well the solar panel performs or power generation warranty. The solar panel warranty covers things like manufacturing problems or if the panel breaks. Most companies give you 10-15 years coverage, and some of the top brands offer 25 years.
The performance warranty or power generation warranty makes sure the panel generates a certain amount of power over its lifetime. Solar panels lose a little bit of their ability to make electricity each year, known as power degradation. But, over 25 years, this loss shouldn’t be more than about 10% to 20%.
Which solar panels are best for home?
Monocrystalline panels are the best solar panels for homes in India. They are made from a single silicon crystal and are very efficient at converting sunlight into electricity.
How to choose solar panels for home?
Here are some tips for choosing the best solar panels for your home in India:
- Choose efficient panels: These panels don’t need much space on your roof but produce a lot of electricity.
- Pick long-lasting panels: Compare how long different types of panels are expected to last.
- Consider your budget: Solar panels can be expensive to install, so plan your finances.
- Check warranty and maintenance: Make sure the installer offers a good warranty and covers maintenance. Solar panels don’t usually need much maintenance, but it’s good to be covered.
Conclusion
Ready to harness the power of the sun? At Naturebest Energy, we’re here to guide you in choosing the perfect solar panel system for your home!
We offer rooftop solar installation services across Maharashtra, India.
Still unsure which solar panels are best for your home? Book a free consultation today! Our expert team will help you understand the differences in efficiency, lifespan, and cost, making your decision easier. You may also like to read our blog, “5 Reasons to Switch to Solar Energy in 2025.”